If I wanted to format my HD...

Would it be possible for me to save the .dat file on an external HD, and when I re-download GW, just put that file in the folder? Thanks!

Yes, you can do that, and it would save you from having to download all the files again.

Yeah efficient and fast and also provides you with a backup if your file gets corrupted. Burning the file on a DVD is also a good alternative if you don't have an external HD.

Thanks guys, very helpful

Install Guild Wars as normal, but just stop it from doing the update portion of the install. Overwrite the GW.DAT with your back-up copy and start playing!

Also, if you want a "fresh" install of Guild Wars at any time:

-You may want to defrag it..

-You may want to "refreshen it" <see below>

This will also "trim" down bloated DAT's

To get a clean Gw.dat do this:
(Make sure you have enough disk space)

1.) Run gw.exe -image to get all files. (If your installation of Guild wars is already up to date, skip this step)


2.) Then copy these folders and files (as indicated) from the GuildWars CD into a NEW folder ("GWINSTALL") on your hard drive:

Setup.exe
\Data
\Data\cdrom.ini
\Data\config.ini
\Data\Gw
\Data\Gw\GwSetup.exe

3.) After the files and folders are copied modify \Data\cdrom.ini to this:

[CDROM]
Program=Guild Wars
Chapter=
Disc=1

4.) Move your Gw.dat file to the "GWINSTALL" \Data\Gw folder

5.) Uninstall Guild Wars from Windows Control Panel

6.) Reinstall Guild Wars from the copied files on your hard drive by running setup.exe